Emissions could remain a concern with the rotary, but without hobbling by CARB, the driver can limit ICE use to outside residential areas to help mitigate those. Audi had a fleet of a dozen or so A1 E-tron PHEVs using a 255cc rotary in series as a range extender. The London Electric Vehicle Company , owned by Geely, unveiled a new light commercial van based on the LEVC TX taxi and equipped with the same e-City range extender powertrain.Detailed.
01-02-2015, 01:59 PM
As most of us know, there were tons of rumors flying around about the ’16 Volt having a 75hp, 3 cylinder range extender, replacing the existing 1.4L 4 banger. All this speculation was based on GM announcing their new lineup or Eco tec engines, which included the 75 hp 3 cylinder.
But then GM surprised (some of us) and announced that Volt 2.0 would have a larger, 1.5L 4 cylinder range extender.
How many of you think that in addition to the reasons GM gave for upsizing the ICE in Volt 2.0, GM also chose to go with a larger range extender so it could be outfitted in a larger EREV as well? Like perhaps the Crossvolt (http://www.insidercarnews.com/gm-renews-the-crossvolt-trademark/)? That way the same range extender could be used in multiple vehicles, reducing costs.
I've been chanting for a EREV Equinox/Terrain, but a Crossvolt would also do nicely. I'm hoping GM has more in store for the Detroit Auto show than just the unveiling of the '16 Volt. :)
But then GM surprised (some of us) and announced that Volt 2.0 would have a larger, 1.5L 4 cylinder range extender.
How many of you think that in addition to the reasons GM gave for upsizing the ICE in Volt 2.0, GM also chose to go with a larger range extender so it could be outfitted in a larger EREV as well? Like perhaps the Crossvolt (http://www.insidercarnews.com/gm-renews-the-crossvolt-trademark/)? That way the same range extender could be used in multiple vehicles, reducing costs.
I've been chanting for a EREV Equinox/Terrain, but a Crossvolt would also do nicely. I'm hoping GM has more in store for the Detroit Auto show than just the unveiling of the '16 Volt. :)